A Free (And Chic!) New Way To Display Flowers
Make A Can Opener Work Like New Again
This gorgeous South Carolina manor is hiding a hideous secret. Photo: AOL Real Estate
That is, until it leads to a less-than-magnificent den complete with floor-to-ceiling wood paneling. I have a knack for spotting a home that houses wood paneling from a mile away, but honestly, this one stumped me. Not only does it not suit the architecture of the home, but it sticks out like a sore thumb amidst the more formal decor in the rest of the home.
Exhibit A: The dark and dreary den. Photo: AOL Real Estate
Exhibit B: The new and [vastly] improved den. Photo: Desire to Inspire
I spotted the image shown left on Desire to Inspire and plan to use it as inspiration to turn this hideous den into a light, bright and cozy reading area. I'd like to start by priming the wood paneling (over and over and over again!), then covering it with a few coats of white paint. I'd then re-tile the fireplace with a black marble pattern (shown below), perfectly contrasting with the white walls. A statement chandelier (shown below) would replace the former ceiling fan and in lieu of the previous floral painting, I'd purchase this Emily Lambert print (also shown below). The look screams fun and funky with an air of sophistication. Perfect for a classy den/library! Even better? The brightly-colored print will look lovely paired with books of all colors for a streamlined, yet bold aesthetic. No more color-coding books; let the fun commence!
Photos (clockwise) left to right: 1st Dibs, 20x200, Build Direct
Photos (clockwise), from left to right: Anthropologie, West Elm, Jayson Home & Garden, Anthropologie, Jayson Home & Garden
-Listen Up, Indy Homeowners: Modernize or Else!
-Decor By Mood: Brooding
Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)
I liked the warmth of the den in paneling compared to the cold, stark, over mod redo.
ReplyNot only does the new design make it stark and cold, but it also covers up two beautiful windows on each side of the fireplace. To each their own I guess, but I thought the original was beautiful and wouldn't have changed a thing.
I agree with Bekka. There was nothing WRONG with that den. The
Replydesigner is just a prude when it comes to paneling. I'll bet that wood was tongue-in-grove, and in it's hay day of the 70's was a very
desireable and expensive bit of decor.
The room went from cozyand welcoming to stark cold sterility.
I do not know where you came from with your crazy ideas about what a southern den should look like. You probably voted for Obumma. THA DEN WAS VERY COZY AND WARM BEFORE YOU SCREW IT UP !
ReplyGo back to bed and start over! Try getting up on the other side!!
i understand the first three photo's and the "tale" about the" inspire" but thats where the "tale" becomes disjointedand or incomplete. what would be clarifying would be a photo showing the completed project so i can make "sense".....
ReplyI love the warmth of the paneled room. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Everyone definitely doesn't like the same things.
ReplyThe den was fine the way it was. You have the right to change it to your liking if you own it. Just don't bad-mouth someone else's opinion of what is good.
ReplyI liked the paneled den. I voted for Obama, too.
ReplyIf that was real wood paneling (the author didn't say) I would have stained it darker and added leather furniture to make the room like a man's den/library. That would have fit with the rest of the house. (Perhaps, who knows - she didn't show us any other rooms except the hall!) In the south, there is so much strong sunlight, it is nice to have a darker room to relax in.
ReplyI did not like her ideas at all. Who ever heard of a library that was all white? Does not sound "timeless and classic" at all, except for in an institution! Where do they find these people?
Just what the f..k is "repurposing"??????
ReplyAm I the only one that is fed up with people "inventing" new words every time they turn around? How about this one: USE PROPER ACCEPTABLE LANGUAGE!
I think this home is just stunning with the paneling. It's not the rustic traditional paneling you see in ski lodges or cabin homes--it's a very beautiful color and makes the room so charming and cozy.
ReplyIf I were blessed to have a home such as this I would relish and embrace every aspect of it just as it is.
I think this home is just stunning with the paneling. It's not the rustic traditional paneling you see in ski lodges or cabin homes--it's a very beautiful color and makes the room so charming and cozy.
ReplyIf I were blessed to have a home such as this I would relish and embrace every aspect of it just as it is.
the author's ideas are strictly personal choice. The casual manner of that particular room steps away from the formality of the rest of the home acting as a getaway. His two illustrations won't have the same effect as one is depicted with 9' ceilings & his do-over are at least 12' ceilings. Every fine southern home has the characteristic of casual living within,, from the kitchen to a quiet room of t&g paneling. You can't take the southern out of the south,, dress it up all you like.
ReplyFirst off, this is NOT an accomplished re-do: it's someone's fantasy re-do. Secondly, it will not work on that den: note the horrible effect they wish to achieve depends on a high ceiling to work, something the original doesn't have and most likely can't be obtained. The problem with the old den isn't simply that it has paneling: it is too narrow and the fireplace commandeers the entire end of the room - problems that ultimately can't be overcome without major expensive work.
Replyif not broke why fix it.
ReplyOkay people the second pic is an INSPIRATION room-as in this pic has elements that would be applied to the other room. Second panelign is atrocious and UGLY many southern manor and mansions have lovely white plaster walls. If they do have a wood themed den it is Solid Wood not cheap outdated-and I said OUTDATED- wood panes glued into flat sheets. I can believe anyone would think 'veneered plywood' would be 'warm and cozy'. the only thing warm and cozy int eh before pic is the fireplace. A true wooden-especially cherry or oak den is a masterpiece and a fine addition to any TRUE Southern home. As well crown molding and floor to ceiling bookshelves with contrasted bright colors invites people in to explore their imagination. Very elegant.
ReplyYou,like me,are a sane person. Most of the lunatics that post these anti-Obama sentiments(no matter what the subject matter) are pathetic losers that believe the claptrap that Limburger and Peckerhead spout.
ReplyHave a great Christmas!
oh my how she killed that den! Now there isn't one cozy, comfortable room left in the house I bet.
ReplyAnd worst of all is the new picture over the fireplace.
Help me on that one.
The first den said, come on in and relax!
The new one just sticks it's nose up in the air at you LOL